MCLEAN, Va. (capitalonebowl.com) – Who would win in a showdown – a pirate or a Spartan? Is a wildcat or a tiger the tougher feline? What happens when a badger goes head-to-head with a ram? The 2013 Capital One Mascot Challenge kicks off today as 16 revered college mascots compete against one another urging fans to support their favorite mascot throughout weekly head-to-head competitions.

This year and for the first time in Mascot Challenge history, Capital One is providing fans three ways to support their favorite mascot. As in year’s past, fans can click “vote now” to earn one point for their spirit-filled hero. But why stop there? Show your love for your favorite mascot by completing the weekly 25-point challenge by posting something witty goodness on Facebook or Twitter. If you are willing to go all-out for your favorite mascot, complete the weekly 100-point challenge. It’s a true test of your mascot pride. Upload a photo or video as evidence and Capital One will add 100 points to your mascot’s total. Capital One has taken the Capital One Mascot Challenge to a whole new playing field. How far will you go?

The mascots in contention come from all parts of the football landscape – from the coast of Oregon, to the mountains of Colorado to the bayou of Louisiana. The 2013 All-America Capital One Mascot Challenge team includes:

• Raider Red of Texas Tech University - 2012 Winner
• Baldwin the Eagle of Boston College
• Big Jay of The University of Kansas
• Big Red of Western Kentucky University – Hall of Fame Inductee
• Bucky Badger of The University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Cam the Ram of Colorado State University
• HokieBird of Virginia Tech
• Mike the Tiger of Louisiana State University
• Monte of The University of Montana – 2002 & 2004 Winner
• Pee Dee the Pirate of East Carolina University
• Rocky the Bull of The University of South Florida
• Rocky the Rocket of The University of Toledo -2012 Write-In Winner
• Smokey of The University of Tennessee
• Sparty of Michigan State University
• The Duck of The University of Oregon
• Wilbur T. Wildcat of The University of Arizona

New challenges and new matchups are announced every Monday. This week’s 25 point challenge is to write a cheerleader-style cheer for their mascot of choice and submit to Facebook and Twitter using the appropriate, mascot specific hashtag. For the 100 points challenge, fans must film/photograph themselves doing the cheer in public. Fans can submit their votes and/or content at www.CapitalOneBowl.com.

“Mascots are the center of school spirit at colleges across the nations,” said Marc Mentry, Senior Vice President of Advertising and Creative at Capital One. “With the added layer of fan challenges to this year’s program, we are looking forward to seeing the enthusiasm, support and humor shine through for their favored mascots and schools.”

College football expert Phil Steele will once again create the annual Mascot, a weekly power ranking of all 16 mascots and their statistical chances to win the overall title.

The Capital One National Mascot of the Year will be crowned at the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2014. The winning school will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship toward its mascot program. Each participating Capital One All-America mascot’s school will also receive $5,000 for their respective mascot program.

Fans that do not see their favorite mascot in the program this year are encouraged to log on to www.CapitalOneBowl.com and submit a write-in vote for their school’s mascot to potentially be a part of the 2014 Capital One Mascot Challenge.

For updates on Virginia Tech Athletics, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@hokiesports).